Lifestyle Changes to Manage Macular Degeneration

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, you can make some changes that will help you manage your environment with low vision.

Make Your Home Safer

You can make your home a safer place by taking these steps:

Brighten your space with overhead and under-cabinet lighting

Reduce glare with curtains and blinds

Keep an open flow to rooms by rearranging furniture that may hinder movement

Use contrasting colors in the bathroom so it is easier to see large items, such as the bathtub, toilet, or sink

If you have area rugs, make sure they are taped or tacked down

In stairwells use bright lights and identify the top and bottom steps with different colors

Install handrails in bathrooms and in stairwells

Suggestions for Daily Living

Daily life with macular degeneration may be difficult. Follow these suggestions to help make your daily tasks easier:

When you are reading or using a computer, use large text options or extra spacing between letters when you can. If you still have difficulty, use audio books when possible.

Organize your household items and keep them in the same place so they are easier to find.

Try using large stickers on your stove or thermostat so they are easier to use and navigate.

Use magnifiers or telescopes.

Driving

For most people, driving defines their independence. If your low vision is causing problems when you drive, you may have to make some adjustments. It doesn't mean you have to turn in your keys permanently. Take these steps:

Plan your driving for daylight hours. Avoid driving at dawn and dusk, or after dark.

Telescopic lenses are mounted inside the lenses in your glasses. They work by magnifying, much like a telescope or binoculars. With magnification, tasks such as needlework, movie watching, or other daily tasks may be more manageable. In some states, telescopic lenses are legal for driving. If you are unsure, contact your state motor vehicle department.

Talk with Your Doctor

If you are having difficulty adjusting to life with low vision, call your eye doctor. You may be referred to a low vision specialist who can help you make the changes you need to manage your life with macular degeneration.

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, the following lifestyle changes may help keep your eyes healthy. In some cases, these changes may even slow the progression of macular degeneration. Ask your doctor which lifestyle changes may be appropriate for you.

Consider Vitamin and Zinc Supplements

According to a clinical trial published in the
Archives of Ophthalmology
, antioxidant vitamins and zinc may reduce the risk of vision loss caused by certain forms of adult macular degeneration. In the trial, a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc were given to a group of people with
adult macular degeneration.
Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking can be harmful to the eye just as it is to the rest of the body. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how you can quit.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.